PLANS for a new community hall on a village playing field have been unveiled.

The facility would replace a 30-year-old temporary parish hall in Bishop's Hull that is no longer fit for purpose.

The Bishop's Hull Hub would feature a kitchen, main hall, toilets and foyer and would be ale to host a variety of activities and events.

It could be rented out to clubs in the village and further afield and would have seating for around 85 people.

There would also be a storage area and parking outside.

A planning application by the parish council to Somerset West and Taunton Council says: "Over the past decade, the village has undergone significant growth with several new housing developments.

"However, the facilities and service provision within the village has not kept pace with this development, meaning that many of the facilities within the village are outdated and deteriorating - this includes the parish hall.

"The facility has come to the end of its useful life and a replacement is required to serve the needs of the community by the time it is due to be removed on or before December 31, 2020."

If the hub wins planning permission, the existing cricket nets on the intended site of the building would be relocated elsewhere in the playing field, while a disused storage shed would be demolished.

The application adds: "Due to the flexibility the hall can provide, it is anticipated that the space will be used for a number of activities that could include short mat bowls and soft ball tennis - new sports which are presently not available anywhere within the village.

"The size of the hall has been specifically designed with many of these indoor recreational activities in mind and, together with the supporting facilities, has set the size of the building."

The premises would have a highly glazed frontage on one side, while there would be solar panels on the roof.

The application adds: "The hub and improved access and parking facilities will provide a much-needed facility that will benefit both Bishop's Hull residents and the greater Taunton community alike."